Blue Ridge football drops Atlantic Shores in state semis

For the first time since 2012, the Barons will play for a title, rolling 34-15 over Atlantic Shores in the VISAA Division II semifinals. They’ll face the North Cross/Norfolk Christian winner in the final, that game is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m.

“Our kids played hard and never quit,” said Blue Ridge coach Tim Thomas.

The Barons leaned on Jamison Harrison once again to pick up the win as Harrison rushed for 342 yards and five touchdown, carrying the load for Blue Ridge. Harrison scored from 70 yards out on his first touchdown run and the race was on from there as he helped Blue Ridge build a 20-7 before halftime. The Barons also got some timely running from Tariq Gough and Justin Armwood, who each picked up key yards on third down plays.

It was also a particularly incredible defensive performance considering the Seahawks track record coming into the game. Np team had held Atlantic Shores to under 35 points, even in the squad’s lone loss they scored 40. The Barons, however, held Atlantic Shores to just 15 points. Nazir Hopson had an interception and the Barons came up with one particularly impressive stop on a goal line stand at their own three.